Nigeria begin their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, at 18:30 local time (17:30 GMT) at Fez Stadium in Morocco.
The Super Eagles are seeking redemption after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Tanzania aims to make history by advancing past the group stage for the first time.
Why Nigeria Missed the 2026 World Cup
Nigeria finished as one of the best runners-up in the African qualifiers but lost 4-3 on penalties to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the playoff round. Issues including managerial changes, a pay dispute, and a poor start in qualifying contributed to the setback.
Following the loss, the Nigerian Football Federation filed a petition with FIFA, alleging DRC fielded ineligible players, a claim rejected by the DRC football authorities.
Tanzania’s Coaching Shake-Up
Tanzania replaced Hemed Suleiman with Miguel Gamondi just a month before the tournament. Suleiman had led Tanzania to their fourth AFCON appearance and a quarterfinal finish in the African Nations Championship, but the team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Key Players to Watch
Nigeria:
- Victor Osimhen – the focal point of Nigeria’s attack and former CAF Player of the Year
- Ademola Lookman – dynamic forward capable of creating scoring opportunities
- Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze – strong supporting cast across defense and midfield
Tanzania:
- Mbwana Samatta – striker for Ligue 1 side Le Havre
- Simon Msuva – veteran forward, approaching 100 international caps
- Mohamed Hussein – key defender
- Haji Mnoga – promising young defender playing in England’s lower leagues
Form Guide (Most Recent First)
- Nigeria: L – L – W – W – W
- Tanzania: L – L – L – L – D
Head-to-Head:
Nigeria and Tanzania have met seven times across all competitions, with Nigeria winning four and three ending in a draw. Their last AFCON meeting was in 2016, where Nigeria won 1-0.
AFCON Records
- Nigeria: 20 AFCON appearances, 3-time champions (most recently 2013), top three 13 of last 15 tournaments
- Tanzania: 3 AFCON appearances, never advanced past group stage, 6 defeats and 3 draws in total
Predicted Lineups
Nigeria (4-3-3):
Nwabili (GK); Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Tanzania (4-3-3):
Suleiman (GK); Kapombe, Hamad, Husseini, Msindo; Miroshi, Salum, Job; Msuva, Mzize, Samatta
Team News:
- Nigeria miss Benjamin Fredrick and Ola Aina due to injury; captain William Troost-Ekong retired, Ndidi takes over. Victor Boniface and Tolu Arokodare were omitted.
- Tanzania’s squad is largely intact, with Gamondi leaving out Mudathir Yahya.
Kick-Off: Tuesday, 23 December 2025, 18:30 (local time), Fez Stadium, Morocco
Coverage: Al Jazeera Sport text commentary from 14:30 GMT
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